When it comes to family trips out on the weekends or during the holidays from school, we can often be unsure as to where to go and what to do. You may have exhausted local parks, been to the beach during the summer months, and perhaps are not wanting an expensive day out.
This is when a trip to the museum could be a great way to spend some time with the family. Especially if you’re looking for activities to do on a rainy day!
However, there are a vast amount of museums out there, all showcasing different things and it is hard to find out which is the best to visit. So I have done the hard work for you. Here are some of the best museums in North England.
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Museums in North England to visit
Liverpool
Liverpool is a great city and a popular location in the North. Museums are a great option if you’re planning things to do in Liverpool in the rain. There are several options to choose from to suit your interests and your group.
Here are some of the best museums in the northern city.
Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool is in an impressive glass building and tells the story of the city. This is definitely one for a local as well as someone who wants to learn more about this iconic Northern city. During your trip, you will understand the importance of the port, the history and the people of Liverpool.
Check out the Museum of Liverpool website for more information.
Merseyside Maritime Museum – Liverpool
This museum shares all about how Liverpool was a gateway to the world when it came to industry, export, and the economy many years ago. This is when things were travelling more by boat than any other form of transport. There are also artefacts on display from the social and commercial aspects of this history.
Visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum website for more information.
World Museum – Liverpool
If you were wanting to catch a glimpse of treasures from all over the world then heading to the World Museum in Liverpool could be the answer. Here you can also explore outer space and there are plenty of interactive exhibits that are perfect for everyone to get involved with. A great family day out.
Check out the World Museum website for more information.
Manchester
Manchester is another gem of a city in the North and there are some great museums there. Here are some of the best.
Science and Industry Museum – Manchester
The Science and Industry Museum is a great place to visit for a day trip out. Here you will find many interactive exhibits that the whole family can get involved with making it easily one of the best museums in England.
There are also specific exhibits that are on for periods of time, as well as plenty to see and do in the other larger exhibits dedicated to industry and textiles.
Check out the Science and Industry Museum website for more information.
The National Football Museum – Manchester
If you have any football fans in the family then look no further than heading to the National Football Museum in Manchester. It is full of memorabilia and interesting items on display from years of this fantastic sport.
Children will love learning about some of the older heroes of the sport and there are a lot of interactive exhibits that you can get involved in. They also have a fascinating shop full of items to purchase that are a footie fan’s dream!
If you’re a sports enthusiast then you will find it to be a very interesting day out.
Check out The National Football Museum website for more information.
Manchester Museum – Manchester
There is plenty to explore when it comes to the Manchester Museum. In the heart of the city, not only are there great displays but there are also exhibits that are frequently interchanged making it a place that you can come back to time and time again.
Check out the Manchester Museum Website for more information.
Other Northern England Museum Locations
There are some other great Northern locations with fabulous museums. Here are some of the ones to add to your list.
National Railway Museum – York
It doesn’t matter if you have train fanatics in your family or not, heading to the National Railway Museum is going to be a fascinating trip out and one of the best museums in north east England.
It is one of the only places with a collection of different real trains that you can see in all their glory. There are some amazing exhibits and a lot of information to take in.
Find out more at the National Railway Museum website.
Chatsworth House – Bakewell
This is a great day out. Not only can you take in the indelible house and fabulous gardens but the museum is also a great pitstop. Filled with exhibits dedicated to architecture and fine art as well as other specific exhibits such as one dedicated to Freud.
The gardens are particularly spectacular to see in flower in the spring and summer. The house also puts on a Christmas fair over the festive season. There are rides for children as well as local stores and produce on display. Chatsworth is a great place to visit all year round.
There is a lot to see and do and it makes a great addition to a day out in the Peak District.
Check out their website for more information.
Royal Armouries – Leeds
This is a great museum if you are interested in past wars and weaponry. This museum in Leeds showcases and displays many different weapons and artefacts from years gone by. It can be an interesting day out and a great place to visit.
Check out the website for more information.
National Coal Mining Museum For England – Wakefield
Here you will find archives, fine art, artefacts from mining history, and plenty to explore and learn about an industry that was so important to the north of England.
In Wakefield, this museum is dedicated to all things mining. Even if you don’t have an interest in mining, you may find the history, culture and relevance to the areas history associated with it very interesting.
Check out the museum website for more information.
Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum – Malton
If you are wanting to understand and experience what it might have been like to be in World War II, then the Eden Camp is the place to go.
Here you will be able to experience the sounds, sights, smells, and how it feels to be right in on the action from world war 2. It is actually set in an old prisoner war camp, so it is as authentic as it can get. A great day out and a lovely way to help teach children the history that some of their grandparents or great grandparents may have experienced.
Check out the Eden Camp website for more information.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr – Harrogate
This is a lovely museum dedicated to things such as medals, coins, decorative art, social history, and natural science, to name a few. While you are there you can also explore the extensive gardens. Which makes it is a great day out that the whole family can enjoy.
Check out the RHS Garden Harlow Carr website for more information.
Vindolanda Roman Fort and Museum & Roman Army Museum
Located in Northumberland, the Vindolanda Fort and Museum is a fascinating and massively underrated museum which showcases stunning and extensive preservation of Roman fortification.
Originally built by the Roman Army before the Hadrian’s Wall was built, it lies very close to the wall itself and was rebuilt 9 times during its extensive history, meaning that the archaeological significance of this site is fascinating. During the summer months you might even see one of the many active digs that are ongoing at the site.
Visit the Vindolanda Fort and Museum website for booking tickets and more information.
Summary: Museums in North England
Hopefully, this has given you plenty of inspiration and ideas on some of the museums in the north of England that you might want to visit in the future.
They are a great source of information to learn more about the history and the culture of Northern England.
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